The difference between umbilical hernia and umbilical protrusion

Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
Updated on September 06, 2024
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Umbilical hernia refers to a condition in children where the umbilical ring does not close during development, causing a defect in the abdominal wall. This situation can be treated conservatively. Within half a year, the effects are generally good. You can choose a coin larger than the umbilical ring or cover it with a flat board, press it against the umbilical ring, and then use adhesive tape to fix it to prevent movement. Generally, most patients can heal on their own. If the diameter of the umbilical ring still exceeds 1.5 cm after two years old, it is advisable to actively accept surgical treatment. Moreover, the protrusion may not involve a defect in the abdominal wall but a potential weakness in the abdominal wall at the navel. Under conditions of increased abdominal pressure, there can be a protruding appearance at the navel. The biggest difference from an umbilical hernia might be that the umbilical protrusion might present a lump that does not completely disappear. In the case of an umbilical hernia, if the contents can be returned to the abdominal cavity, the hernia can disappear completely.

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Written by Dong Xian Yan
Pediatrics
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The umbilical hernia in the baby healed, but occurred again after two months. What should I do?

The baby's umbilical hernia had healed for two months but reappeared, indicating that the umbilical ring has not closed and the hernia has not completely healed. Therefore, in daily life, it is important to minimize the child's crying, tantrums, and vigorous exercise, and avoid getting cold or sick as much as possible to prevent severe coughing. Attention should be paid to the intake of foods rich in vitamins and cellulose, such as fresh vegetables and fruits. Drink plenty of water, maintain smooth bowel movements, and follow a light diet. Avoid eating cold and spicy foods.

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What should I do about an umbilical hernia?

Umbilical hernia is a type of hernia, mainly caused by poor development of the navel area and a relatively weak abdominal wall at the navel. It occurs when the intestines protrude through the belly button towards the surface of the body due to increased intra-abdominal pressure. The main treatments are as follows: if the infant or toddler is under two years old and the hernia is relatively small, it can be observed conservatively or it might close on its own. If the child is older than two years and the hernia is larger, surgical repair may be necessary. For adults with an umbilical hernia, surgical repair is generally the best treatment method.

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Written by Yao Li Qin
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Can you swim with an umbilical hernia?

Umbilical hernia is a common navel disease in infants and young children, primarily due to developmental defects at the navel where the region is relatively weak. When abdominal pressure increases, the contents of the abdomen may protrude, but this condition is generally not serious and does not cause severe harm to the child, with most cases resolving on their own. Therefore, for babies with an umbilical hernia, it is okay to allow them to swim. Swimming will not exacerbate the hernia nor cause any adverse effects. Only a very few severe cases of umbilical hernia, which have not healed naturally by the age of two, would require surgical treatment. It is also fine for children with an umbilical hernia to swim two to three times a week; parents can be reassured about this.

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Written by Zhang Peng
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How long will it take for an umbilical hernia to heal?

Umbilical hernia can heal on its own, generally, if the appropriate treatment method is chosen, most umbilical hernias can heal within six months. For children over two years old, if the umbilical hernia has not healed and the diameter of the umbilical ring exceeds 1.5 cm, active surgical treatment is also chosen. For children over five years old, surgical treatment is recommended regardless of the situation. Umbilical hernia occurs because the umbilical ring does not close in time during the child's development, causing the abdomen to protrude. The common treatment method is to choose a coin or cardboard larger than the umbilical ring, wrap it up, press against the umbilical ring, and fix it with adhesive tape to prevent it from moving. This treatment method generally works well and can avoid surgery. However, during the observation process, it is necessary to avoid the occurrence of incarceration or rupture of the hernia.

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Nursing methods for umbilical hernia

Care methods for umbilical hernia, we need to pay attention to the following points. If during a child's intense crying or activity, the contents of the umbilical hernia protrusion are relatively large, it is important to promptly soothe the patient to avoid incarceration. Because if the incarceration lasts too long, it can lead to necrosis or even rupture of the intestine, potentially endangering the child's life and requiring emergency surgical treatment. The general conservative treatment method for umbilical hernia is to select a coin or flat plate larger than the diameter of the umbilical ring, wrap it around to press against the umbilical ring, and then secure it with adhesive tape to prevent movement. Generally, most children can self-heal within six months. If the umbilical hernia does not heal by itself after two years and the diameter of the umbilical ring is greater than 1.5 cm, surgery is recommended. In any case, if the patient is older than five years and has not healed in a timely manner, it is advisable to proactively opt for surgery as soon as possible.